The City of Saint Louis Metropolitan Population: 2.6 million people Saint Louis is home to 15 Fortune 1000 companies including: Anheuser-Busch Companies, INC., Emerson, May Department Stores, A.G. Edwards and Graybar Electric The greater Saint Louis area is ranked 7th in the United States as a headquarters location for Fortune 500 Companies. Higher Education: 12 Universities and Four-Year Colleges, 8 Two-year Institutions and numerous professional schools. 10th Most Wired City in the United States Typical Weather for Saint Louis, MO in October: Average high is 69 degrees and the Average low is 47 degrees. ATTRACTIONS – ENTERTAINMENT - RESTAURANTS - SPORTS In St. Louis, business and pleasure go hand-in-hand. There are few places that can match the endless entertainment opportunities of the Gateway City. St. Louis indulges visitors with a wealth of sights, sounds, shops and culinary temptations. Unlike other cities, the excitement isn’t limited to one particular area. There is entertainment just around the corner from almost any place you might be staying. St. Louis is fortunate to be able to offer convention delegates and visitors alike, an outstanding package of family entertainment, historic attractions, restaurants, shopping, nightlife, and professional sports. There are hundreds of incredible cultural and family attractions regularly open to the public, many of which charge no admission, and 1,000 one-of-a-kind restaurants to tempt your taste buds. No matter what your pleasure, as a participant or an observer, indoors or outdoors, St. Louis has it all. We invite you to enjoy a sampling of our attractions, restaurants, entertainment, shopping opportunities and sports - all available in St. Louis’ diverse, eclectic neighborhoods. For more information, please request an Official St. Louis Visitors Guide or refer to our website at www.explorestlouis.com DOWNTOWN The gleaming Gateway Arch overlooks Downtown’s central business district. Located within the monument’s shadow are a vast array of businesses, the America’s Center convention complex, venues for three professional sports teams, and a variety of attractions and restaurants offering the gamut of dining experiences from fast food to four star. Attractions of note: The Gateway Arch - Soaring 630 feet above the Mississippi River, the Gateway Arch is America’s tallest monument and the focus of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial. The Museum of Westward Expansion, located beneath the Arch, traces the country’s pioneering spirit as a nation was built from sea to shining sea. Old Courthouse - Built between 1839 and 1862, scene of the first two trials of the pre-Civil War Dred Scott slavery case; contains five galleries depicting St. Louis’ role in America’s westward expansion. Campbell House Museum - Built in 1851 and located in downtown St. Louis, home of Col. Robert Campbell (mountain man, fur trader and millionaire) contains the home’s original Victorian furnishings and memorabilia. Eugene Field House and Museum - Registered as a historic landmark, home of the poet known for writing “Little Boy Blue” and other works for children and his father, Russell M. Field, lawyer for Dred Scott; contains an extensive collection of antique toys and dolls. Scott Joplin House - Home of the man who made ragtime music famous, a restored post Civil War structure and National Historic Landmark. Also, visit the Rosebud Café, a ragtime music performance venue, located next door to the Scott Joplin House. City Museum – A whimsical and magical museum filled with art made from recycled materials. Exhibits include architectural artifacts, a working Glass Studio, a walk-through whale and more in a place described as a “warehouse of adventure.” St. Louis Union Station – One of St. Louis’ architectural gems, St. Louis Union Station opened in 1894 and was the largest and busiest passenger terminal in the country. Today, Union Station’s festival marketplace of shops and restaurants welcomes 5 million people each year. The Station is also home to the country’s newest “Hard Rock Café.” St. Louis Public Library - Beautiful Italian Renaissance-style building completed in 1912 contains 1.5 million books and 3 million other resources. International Bowling Hall of Fame and St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame and Museum A unique perspective on two of America’s favorite sports – baseball and bowling – is on display under one roof. The St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame and the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame house mementos, trophies and videos depicting the proud 100-plus-year-old Cardinal baseball tradition along with unusual galleries celebrating the history and heroes of professional bowling. Savvis Center - A 20,000 seat arena that is home to the St. Louis Blues hockey team, Saint Louis University Billikens basketball team, St. Louis Ambush soccer team and host to a wide variety of other sporting events, concerts and touring family shows. Busch Stadium – Home to the most successful franchises in baseball history – the St. Louis Cardinals. Edward Jones Dome at America’s Center – This one-of-a-kind venue is part of the America’s Center convention complex. When not hosting conventions, special events or big name concert tours, the Dome acts as home turf for the NFL’s St. Louis Rams. LACLEDE’S LANDING AND THE MISSISSIPPI RIVERFRONT Laclede’s Landing, the last remaining historic area of the St. Louis riverfront, was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. This 19th-century nine square block, 22-acre district filled with cobblestone streets and cast-iron street lamps and buildings is one of the city’s premiere entertainment districts offering nightclubs, a microbrewery, small shops, unusual restaurants and small boutiques and novelty shops. Activities “down on the levee” include scenic Mississippi River cruises and the excitement of riverboat gaming. Gateway River Boat Cruises - Enjoy family fun or dinner/dance cruises on a 19th Century steamboat replica. President Casino on the Admiral - Play slots, video gaming and cards amid the splendor of crystal chandeliers and soaring atriums aboard the largest and only dockside casino on the St. Louis riverfront. Laclede’s Landing Wax Museum - Contains more than 180 authentically costumed wax figures of historic and cultural icons. Planet Hollywood – The nation’s newest movie-themed dining experience. Dine among souvenirs and memorabilia from Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters. Royal Dumpe Dinner Theatre – Visitors can join King Henry VIII and his lovely serving wenches for fun and food while combining 16th century vaudeville, musical comedy and audience participation. The Big Bang – The most exciting concept on Laclede’s Landing. A high energy, rock’n’roll, sing-along show. SOULARD Just south of downtown is one of the city’s oldest residential neighborhoods filled with distinctive 19th century red brick homes and townhouses. Named after a Frenchman who surveyed the area for the King of Spain, Soulard is known for its open-air farmers’ market, a variety of restaurants, nightclubs featuring live Blues music and antique shops. Each year the neighborhood celebrates its French heritage by holding the country’s largest Mardi Gras parade and party held outside of New Orleans. Soulard Farmer’s Market - Founded around 1779, this historic landmark has 148 stalls and offers a variety of farm fresh meats and produce. Years before commanding the Army of the Potomac, St. Louis resident U.S. Grant sold firewood at the market to help meet expenses. Anheuser-Busch Brewery Tours - Free tours of the world’s largest brewer includes a visit to the Budweiser Clydesdale stables, lager cellar, packaging plant and the historic Brew House. Each tour ends with a complimentary sampling of the product. Cherokee Street Antique Row – 57 shops filled with antiques and collectibles span a six-block area just south of downtown. The Blues – Live Blues music can be heard tumbling from the doorways of the many pubs and clubs throughout Soulard. Patty Long’s 9th Street Abbey - Located in a 19th century church in the historic Soulard district, this unique facility has a spacious dining room with stained glass windows and 40-foot ceilings, a private rooftop deck with a view of the Gateway Arch and a garden courtyard. FOREST PARK Forest Park, the site of the famous 1904 World’s Fair, is a beautiful 1,300-acre park and home to the St. Louis Zoo, Art Museum, Science Center, History Museum and outdoor theatre. The park offers outdoor activities, including two golf courses, tennis and handball courts, and bike and jogging paths. St. Louis Zoo - Beautiful world-class zoo, free to the public, is home to over 6,000 animals on 83 acres of park. Famous for its natural habitat displays, the Zoo has recently expanded and renovated its Children’s Zoo area and Bird Garden. St. Louis Science Center – Open free to the public, the dazzling new facility displays more than 600 free exhibits and includes an OMNIMAX Theater, planetarium and special touring exhibits. The Saint Louis Art Museum - Built as the only permanent structure of the 1904 World’s Fair by famed architect Cass Gilbert, the Art Museum is considered among the leading art museums in the country with collections ranging from ancient to contemporary. The Saint Louis Art Museum is also open free of charge. Missouri History Museum – Another free attraction, the museum houses extensive collections on Charles Lindbergh, the 1904 World’s Fair and the history of the American West. The Muny - The country’s oldest and largest outdoor musical theatre offers musical concerts and Broadway shows under the stars on summer evenings. Missouri Botanical Garden – Located a short distance from Forest Park, the Garden is a rewarding experience at any season of the year. Major attractions include: the recreated tropical rainforest housed in the world’s first geodesic dome, the largest traditional Japanese garden in North America, two traditional rose gardens and a comprehensive Center for Home Gardening. Tower Grove Park - Created in 1868 and now one of the only parks in the country to be awarded a National Historic Landmark status, this rare Victorian walking park is filled with ornate gazebos and statuary. It is located nearby the Missouri Botanical Garden. GRAND CENTER ARTS DISTRICT Located just minutes from downtown, the Grand Center Arts District is St. Louis’ revitalized cultural and performing arts district. The Fox Theatre, Powell Symphony Hall, Sheldon Concert Hall and Grandel Square Theatre call this active arts’ district home. The Fox Theatre - Opened in 1929 as one of the most beautiful movie palaces in the country, the 4,500seat “Fabulous Fox” presents live entertainment with Las Vegas superstars, touring Broadway shows, family productions and big name contemporary music stars. Powell Symphony Hall - This elegant Versailles-inspired concert hall houses the second oldest orchestra in the nation, the world renown and award-winning Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra. Symphony performances include classical concerts, jazz, chamber music, pops and much more. St. Louis Black Repertory Company - Performances featuring theater, dance and creative expressions from the African American perspective are held on stage at the Grandel Square Theatre. Dance St. Louis – The company produces and presents a broad spectrum of professional dance companies at venues within Grand Center. Sheldon Concert Hall, Ballroom & Art Galleries – Built in 1912, The Sheldon hosts a wide variety of concerts and has been expanded with new art galleries. MORE NEIGHBORHOODS OF ST. LOUIS Central West End – Located near Forest Park, this chic neighborhood is graced with tree-lined streets of beautiful turn-of-the-century homes. A lively café society atmosphere draws visitors with boutiques, art galleries, eclectic restaurants, nightclubs and cozy pubs that give the area a European flavor. The Ville - St. Louis’ most significant African-American neighborhood, the Ville is famous for being home to Sumner High School, the first high school for black students west of the Mississippi. Lafayette Square – This lovely neighborhood was established in the 1870s around the first public park west of the Mississippi. The Victorian “painted ladies” surrounding the park have been called the finest collection of Victorian-era architecture in the country. The Loop - Named for an old streetcar turnaround, The Loop is home to dozens of unique shops, art galleries, a variety of ethnic restaurants and the St. Louis Walk of Fame where bronze stars and biographies honor famous St. Louisans such as Josephine Baker, Tennessee Williams, Chuck Berry and Betty Grable. The Pageant, a state-of-the-art, 33,000 sq. ft. concert nightclub features superb sightlines and acoustics. The Hill - Settled in the early 1900s by Italian immigrants, the Hill’s residents are still 75% Italian descent. The Hill offers delectable Italian food around every corner; green, white and red tri-color fireplugs and bocce courts. SUBURBAN ST. LOUIS Six Flags - St. Louis – The family theme park thrills visitors of all ages with more than 100 exciting rides, spectacular stage shows and big name concert acts. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site and Interpretive Center - The site of the largest prehistoric Indian city north of Mexico. Archeological finds that date from 700 AD to 1400 AD includes the Woodhenge solar calendar. UMB Bank Pavilion - Top-named artists perform at this 7,000 reserved seat and 13,000 lawn seat venue with a state-of-the-art sound system and four video screens. The Butterfly House – A cultural and educational attraction, visitors see thousands of butterflies in free flight and actually witness the mystery of metamorphosis. Grant’s Farm – Home to more than 1,000 animals, this Busch family estate was once owned by Ulysses S. Grant. See animal shows and a Clydesdale breeding and training facility. OTHER UNIQUE VENUES The Lt. Robert E. Lee Enjoy fine dining on this elegant replica of a riverboat from the 1800s located on the Mississippi River beneath the Gateway Arch. Patty Long’s 9th Street Abbey Located in a 19th century church in the historic Soulard district, this unique facility has a spacious dining room with stained glass windows and 40-foot ceilings, a private rooftop deck with a view of the Gateway Arch and a garden courtyard. Lemp Mansion Enjoy lunch or dinner in this beautiful mansion built in 1862. It’s not only “historic” but “haunted” as well. The Pageant Located in the University City Loop, a state-of-the art 33,000 sq. ft. concert nightclub, with a 1,500 seat capacity, designed for live music productions and special events. Grant’s Farm Home to more than 1,000 animals, this Busch family estate was once owned by Ulysses S. Grant and features animal shows and the Clydesdale breeding and training facility. Relax over Anheuser-Busch hospitality at the Bauernhof. Demolition Ball Is your group begging for a unique, new experience? Then take them “where fun and action collide.” Located in St. Charles, Demolition Ball is a game played in a supercharged bumper car with two five-player teams that chase the whiffle ball, scoop it up and shoot at the goal. Your colleagues will enjoy the laughter and challenges. Rail Cruise America From luxury dinners to murder mysteries, this full train set, complete with 8 modernized private cars and 4 locomotives, will get your group on track with a truly memorable experience. Jewel Box Build in 1936, this treasure of Art Deco architecture is a step-shaped greenhouse that features changing floral displays. Enjoy an afternoon walk accompanied by the musical background of an electric chime carillon. McDonnell Planetarium Just across Hwy. 40 from the Science Center (via a skywalk) is the McDonnell Planetarium. The newly renovated planetarium features the Digistar computerized projector designed to make educational features in the 400 seat auditorium more breathtaking. ADDITIONAL SHOPPING SPOTS Crestwood Plaza – One of St. Louis’ premiere shopping malls, Crestwood includes 160 specialty stores, 16 restaurants, a 10-screen movie theatre and the Exhilirama Family Entertainment Complex. Saint Louis Galleria - This beautiful 1.2 million square foot shopping “city” offers 180 specialty shops, 18 restaurants and a 6-screen movie theatre. Plaza Frontenac – An elegant indoor shopping mall featuring Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman-Marcus, other extraordinary stores and a multi-screen art house movie theatre. Westfield Shoppingtown Northwest – St. Louis’ largest Westfield Shoppingtown featuring Dillards, Famour-Barr and Sears, plus 160 specialty stores, theme restaurants, multiplex cinemas and a family fun center with a miniature golf course. Westfield Shoppingtown West County – Featuring Missouri’s only Nordstrom, flagship Lord & Taylor and Famous-Barr stores. Warrenton Outlet Center – Just 45 minutes west of downtown St. Louis, save 20-70% every day at more than 45 designer outlet stores. SPORTS IN ST. LOUIS St. Louis is recognized as one of the most active sports centers in the country. St. Louisans think their community deserves it every year, but the editors and readers of The Sporting News made it official from August 2000 through July 2001, naming St. Louis as North America’s Best Sports City. The national sports publication cited St. Louis’ success on the field as well as fan support, quality of sporting venues, positive media attention and sports ambience in making their selection. Sports publications also consistently declare St. Louis as America’s best baseball city. Sports fans can look forward to even more significant athletic events this year and in St. Louis’ future. For more information on scheduled events, venues and team listings check out the St. Louis Sports Commission website at www.stlouissports.org or click on the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission calendar of events at www.explorestlouis.com. Baseball - Housed in the beautiful Busch Stadium, the St. Louis Baseball Cardinals boast 35 Hall of Fame members, 15 league titles and 9 world championships since 1926. Basketball - A member of the Conference USA, the St. Louis University Billikens offer exciting college basketball at the Savvis Center. Football - The Edward Jones Dome acts as home turf for the NFL’s St. Louis Rams. Hockey - Housed in the newly renovated Savvis Center, the St. Louis Blues Hockey team proves to be a yearly contender for the NHL Stanley Cup. Soccer - Affiliated with the National Professional Soccer League, the St. Louis Steamers play 20 games from late October through April. Tennis - The St. Louis Aces, professional team tennis, plays in Forest Park during mid-summer. Horse Racing - Just 10 minutes from downtown St. Louis, the Fairmount Park Race Track offers thorough-bred and harness racing with pari-mutuel wagering. Golf - St. Louis offers nearly 100 competition quality golf courses such as the Spencer T. Olin Community Golf Course designed and managed by Arnold Palmer and recognized as one of the top 100 public courses in America. Gateway International Raceway - Located 5 minutes from the Gateway Arch, this 150-acre complex includes a state-of-the-art National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) championship quarter-mile drag strip with seating capacity up to 35,000, plus a 45,000 seat 1.25-mile banked oval and a 1.8-mile infield road course.